Isabelli Media Relations | Chicago PR

Janet brings more than thirteen years of traditional and social media expertise, event management and marketing strategy to Isabelli Media Relations. Before founding her agency in April 2011, she led the Chicago office of a premier public relations firm for nearly a decade, where she spearheaded national campaigns for James Beard Foundation award-winning chefs, restaurants and cookbooks, and some of the world’s finest hotels. She was also recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as a “40 Under 40” professional in 2007 for her work in launching Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago. Earlier in her career, Janet served in a marketing and event planning capacity for both the University of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Active in the community, Janet has served on the Board of Directors for CASA of Cook County, and on the associate boards for Chicago Gateway Green and the Lookingglass Theatre.

Janet holds undergraduate degrees in Law, Letters & Society and Spanish Language & Literature from the University of Chicago, where she remains active in the university community.

John – who oversees operations and finance for Isabelli Media Relations – has more than 18 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. A fourth-generation entrepreneur who began his career at 14 years of age in Louisville, KY, to most recently having served as the general manager of the nationally-recognized The Purple Pig in Chicago, his business acumen enables him to direct the agency’s growth in the forthcoming years, as well as understand the agency’s clients from all perspectives.

John’s diverse background includes directing some of the most highly acclaimed concepts throughout the country and in the Caribbean. These include the legendary, Mobil five-star Maisonette in Cincinnati; the institutional Augusto’s as owned by Augusto Schriner – in San Juan, Puerto Rico; the world-renowned Blue Door at Ian Schrager’s Delano Hotel in South Beach and celebrity chef David Burke’s Primehouse at The James Hotel in Chicago.

Julie joined Isabelli Media Relations in October 2011, bringing nearly seven years of experience representing consumer brands. Julie launched her career at Weber Shandwick Chicago, where she crafted strategic programs for clients including KFC, The National Pork Board, Oscar Mayer, Kraft and Degree. Most recently, she worked at Wheatley & Timmons representing Thermos Brand, Chamilia Jewelry and Tate & Lyle. Her expertise in national media strategy, event planning and social media management is uniquely suited to guide client campaigns.

An Illinois native, Julie graduated from Illinois State University with a BS in public relations. In her spare time, she loves trying new restaurants, reading the latest bestseller and planning her next weekend getaway. She’s a self-proclaimed news junkie who is always watching, listening or reading up on the latest.

Laura joined Isabelli Media Relations in February 2012 with nearly eight years of public relations experience representing restaurants and chefs in Chicago and other major cities. Previously, Laura worked for two premier public relations firms in Chicago, implementing successful local and national marketing and media relations campaigns.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia College, Laura is a news junkie, always keeping up with the latest breaking news. In her free time, she can be found eating at restaurants throughout Chicagoland, shopping around the city and planning her next trip.

Joining Isabelli Media Relations in October 2012, Nick brings years of experience leading multi-channel communication campaigns for businesses, city agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Nick established his career at Grisko Communications, coordinating strategic communication campaigns for clients, including the Illinois Office of Tourism, Chicago Transportation Authority, Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network and VOA Associates.  Whether utilizing social media outreach, targeted media relations or advertising, Nick focuses on positive brand experiences to meet client goals and business objectives.

An Ohio native, Nick graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelors of arts degree in communication. Outside of the office, Nick enjoys trying new restaurants, volunteering as a member of the GLAAD Chicago Leadership Council and cooking.

Brenna came to Isabelli Media Relations after four years at a boutique PR, advertising and marketing agency representing clients such as the Harlem Globetrotters, Drury Lane Theatre, Geja’s Café, Big Onion Tavern Group, and Hyatt properties.  She has worked on various successful publicity campaigns both locally and on a nationwide level. Earlier in her career, Brenna free-lanced for Time Out Chicago magazine.  It was her passion for applying her creativity, in both writing and ideas that attracted her to the field of media relations.

She is a member of the Erie Auxiliary board, which provides for health care for low income and uninsured Chicagoland families. Brenna enjoys running, traveling, cooking and beach volleyball.  She holds an undergraduate degree Magazine Journalism from Syracuse University.

Courtney joined Isabelli Media Relations in July 2012 bringing several years of marketing and public relations experience working with clients in industries ranging from real estate to hospitality, technology and fashion, and executing strategic marketing and media relations campaigns on a local and national level. While living in Europe and studying abroad in college, she discovered her love for traveling and finding the best restaurants a city has to offer. A Chicago area native, Courtney graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas with a BA in Corporate Communications and enjoys being back in Chicago where she is always looking for her new favorite restaurant and dreaming about her next European adventure.

Sarah joined Isabelli Media Relations in July 2012, bringing with her experience and passion for the hospitality industry, most recently coming from The Peninsula Chicago.  There, Sarah facilitated PR and marketing efforts for the property and its numerous outlets, and is knowledgeable on all of the inner-workings of a hotel.  Previously, Sarah spent time at a local PR agency, as well as at the historic Palmer House.

Her excitement and love for food is a driving force behind her hospitality focus, and she is always seeking new foods and restaurants to try.  During her free time, for several years now, Sarah has been involved with the Green City Market, working for vendors, and experiencing first-hand where our local food comes from.  Staying on top of industry news and trends is an addiction, and she uses this to guide her while exploring all our city has to offer, and hopefully some day soon, while exploring the world!

Samantha joined Isabelli Media Relations May 2013, bringing years of experience working in public relations and social media for clients spanning the restaurant, retail and wedding industries. A recent transplant from Phoenix (by way of Ohio), Samantha previously worked at two agencies where she successfully developed and executed social media and media relations strategies from the ground up.

Ohio raised, Samantha graduated from Ohio University’s Scripps School of Journalism with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Public Relations. Going to college in a small town cultivated her passion for fresh, local food and culture. On the weekends, you can find Samantha exploring Chicago – one restaurant at a time.

Joseph joined Isabelli Media in March 2013 and brought with him years of experience in the field of videography.  He began his career shooting stories for local news affiliates in his hometown of Peoria, IL, and shortly thereafter moved to Chicago to follow his passion for video production.  Since moving to the city, Joseph has interned and freelanced for multiple creative agencies, including Northwestern University’s Advanced Media Production Studio where he specializes in lecture and event capture.  Joseph is thrilled to be living and working in Chicago.  He believes whole-heartedly that social media and online content are the wave of the future, and is therefore thrilled to be shooting social media videos for the clients of Isabelli Media Relations.

Joseph is an alumnus of Bradley University in Peoria, IL, where he graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor degree in Electronic Media.  He is an avid lover of restaurants, and is excited to be living in a city where one never runs out of great places to eat.